Marrying in October

Ron and Lavita Stokes of Blacklick announce the engagement of their daughter, Laurel Ashley, to Francis Valentino Gourrier Jr., son of Francis Sr. and Dedra Gourrier of New Orleans.

The bride-to-be graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School in 2006 and received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kenyon College in 2010. She is pursuing a master's degree in special education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Her fiance received a degree in American Studies from Kenyon College and a master's degree in Afro-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012. He is pursuing a doctorate degree in history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The wedding will take place Oct. 12 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Columbus.